Day 4 at Edgbaston was an exhibition of Indian dominance as Shubman Gill’s commanding century and Rishabh pant’s explosive counterattack buried England under scoreboard pressure. Starting the day with a solid lead, India overcame early blows to pile on a mountain of runs and eventually declared after setting England an almost impossible 608-run target. With momentum fully on their side, India then struck early with the ball to leave England tottering at stumps. Gill etched his name into the history books with another special knock while Pant added the flair, and the bowlers responded with intent. It was a day where every session tilted further in India’s favour, leaving them poised for a series-levelling win.

Shubman Gill rewrites records and Rishabh Pant ignites Edgbaston as India declare on 427/6

Resuming at 64/1, India endured a challenging first hour as both Kl satisfied and Karun nair fell to the sharp pace of Josh Tongue and Brydon Cars. But once Gill joined Pant, the tone shifted entirely. Pant began with audacity, hitting a four and six in his first over, and survived a let-off on 8. The pair raced to a 100-run stand in just 103 balls, unsettling England’s rhythm. Both reached their fifties in style before Pant, attempting another big shot, perished for 65. From there, Gill assumed control. Calm, clinical, and hungry, he built a crucial partnership with Ravindra Jadaja and notched up another century, becoming the first player ever to score a double hundred and a 150 in the same Test. His eventual 161 ended only after he had ensured a total out of England’s reach. India declared at 427/6, taking their lead to an intimidating 608 runs.

Akash Deep and Mohammed Siraj hammer early nails as England crumble under pressure

England’s task was gargantuan, and their response began with aggression from Ben Duckettwho struck consecutive boundaries off Mohammed Siraj. But India struck back swiftly, Siraj removed Zak Crawley for a duck, caught at backward point, before Akash Deep castled Duckett with a perfect nip-backer. With pressure mounting, Joe Root too fell prey to Akash Deep, beaten by a delivery that jagged back late and kissed the stumps. From 18/0, England slumped to 39/3 as their top order crumbled. Although Ollie Pope and Harry Brook tried to rebuild, the psychological toll of chasing 608 was visible. Gill’s field placements were attacking, Siraj and Deep maintained relentless pressure, and the cracks in England’s famed Bazball approach began to show. At stumps, England were struggling at 72/3, still 536 runs behind, with India’s bowlers scenting blood and the Test match all but slipping from the hosts’ grasp.

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